No matter where you live, natural disasters and inclement weather can occur, so you have to be prepared. Losing power is not just an inconvenience, it can be dangerous. Having a backup generator can give you peace of mind that you and your family will remain safe and warm even when the power goes out (which for many people can happen often, even without bad weather).
Here are some tips for buying a backup generator for your Southeast Michigan home:
Don’t Wait
Every winter right before a snowstorm, local news stations depict chaotic stores filled with harried shoppers fighting over water and batteries. While this may seem like an extreme circumstance, you don’t want to be caught unprepared. Buy your generator before you’ll actually need it. This will also give you time to test it out and make sure you know how to use it safely.
Decide What You Need
When deciding on which generator to purchase, you have two main options, portable or standby. These are two very different generators with two very different prices. A portable generator is gas powered, and when the power goes out, you’ll need to roll it out, get it running and hook it up to what you want powered. A standby generator is a much more expensive option, but if you don’t want to be running around outside in the dark, it’s the perfect model.
Safety
When using any type or size of generator, always take safety into consideration. Generators are machines with a lot of electricity running through them. Portable generators produce a lot of carbon monoxide, so be sure to keep it outside. Also, make sure to read your manual and all safety warnings that come with your backup generator.
For more expert advice on buying a backup generator for emergencies and all of your home comfort needs in the Detroit area, contact Aladdin Heating & Cooling.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about backup generators and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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